Our dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal if they are causing you discomfort or as a preventive measure to avoid future dental issues. After your procedure, we will go over post-op instructions on how to have a healthy recovery to avoid dry socket and other complications. Contact Midtown Dental Services today at 212-697-3946 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Jacobson and learn more about wisdom teeth removal in New York City, New York.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars located at the back of the mouth. They typically start to emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth served a purpose in our ancestors who had a diet of rougher foods, but in modern humans, they often lead to dental issues due to a lack of space in the jaw.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth often need to be removed for several reasons:
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth do not typically have enough room to fully emerge, leading to impaction. This can cause pain, swelling and infection.
- Crowding: The emergence of wisdom teeth can disrupt the alignment of existing teeth, leading to crowding and misalignment issues.
- Infection and Gum Disease: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria can accumulate, leading to infection and gum disease.
- Cysts and Tumors: In rare cases, cysts or tumors can form around impacted wisdom teeth, causing more severe health issues.
The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure and can be completed in just one visit with our dentist. When you receive this procedure, you can expect:
- The Use of Anesthesia: Local anesthesia and sedation options are administered to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
- Tooth Removal: The wisdom teeth are carefully removed from your mouth.
- Stitches: Depending on the complexity of your extraction, our dentist may use stitches to close the surgical site.
Post-Op Instructions
After wisdom tooth extraction, it is essential to follow post-operative instructions carefully to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications:
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication may be prescribed to manage discomfort.
- Swelling and Bruising: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce swelling and bruising.
- Diet: Stick to soft foods and liquids for a few days to avoid irritating the surgical site.
- Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene but be gentle when brushing and avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully for the first 24 hours.
- Rest: Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities in the first few days following the extraction.
- Follow-up: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure no complications arise.
Schedule A Consultation
We welcome you to contact us today to schedule your consultation with our dentist and learn if wisdom tooth removal is right for your oral health needs.